Women's World Cup 2022: Australia outclass England to begin campaign on winning note amid tragic losses

Women's World Cup 2022: Australia women, wearing 2 black armbands, paid tribute to late Shane Warne and Rod Marsh by beginning their campaign with a 12-run win over defending champions England in Hamilton on Saturday.

It was a difficult moment for Australia as they began their Women's World Cup 2022 campaign a day after legendary Shane Warne and 2 days after wicketkeeping great Rod Marsh passed away. The Meg Lanning-led side wore two black armbands paying tribute to the legends who passed away, leaving the cricket community in a state of shock.

However, Australia were determined and focussed on the job in hand as they outclassed England, the defending champions, by 12 runs at the Seddon Park in Hamilton on Saturday.

The two teams observed a minute's silence before the match got underway and the highly-anticipated early World Cup clash lived up to its expectation.

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Australia scored 310-3 batting first and a magnificent century from 79 balls by England’s Nat Sciver kept England in the match until the final over. Sciver was 109 not out at the end of an outstanding England run chase.

England needed 36 from the last three overs, 26 from the last two and 16 from the final over but fell short, finishing 298-8. Jess Johansen who had given up 16 runs from her first two overs, mostly to Sciver, bowled the last over and held her nerve to clinch Australia’s win.

#TeamAustralia come out onThey beat #TeamEngland by 12 runs despite Nat Sciver's heroics. #CWC22 pic.twitter.com/tA5UeHDsRQ